I have Autism Spectrum Disorder. So do some of my friends. We are very high-functioning, so people do not always know that we have Autism. I have an incredible support system, which has helped me cope with this overwhelming world. However, some people can be less than supportive. Jennifer Desaulniers, Derek Deneau and I have compiled this list of things that we, and others across the Autism Spectrum, wish people would stop saying right now:
1) Anti-vaxxers who say, “I don’t want my child to get Autism.”
Derek Deneau, despite knowing that this belief is false, counters with, “You would rather have your child die than have Autism?” To which they usually reply, “Oh, I don’t mean your kind of Autism.”
2) People who think they know you well enough to say, “There’s no way you have Autism. You’re so… normal.”
Can you define normal?
3) People with no background in psychology who think it’s okay to ask, “Are you sure it wasn’t a wrong diagnosis? Everybody thinks they have something these days.”
I wonder if they think ADHD and Dyslexia are part of a conspiracy too.
4) School officials who say, “Are you sure you need help? You seem to be doing just fine.”
Yes, I just stopped by for an appointment because I was bored. Thank you for your assistance.
5) “You’re not Autistic! You’re smart!”
Jennifer Desaulniers likes to remind people that “Autistic” is not a synonym for “stupid.”
Whether you mean well or have no idea how offensive these words can be, try to remember them the next time you meet someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder.